Grand Sunset Princess

[mexicobound]

Hi folks!

First, I want to say just how much I appreciate all of you guys for sharing your tips and experiences about your previous trips to PDC. I've been reading and taking everything I can in over the last few days, and I feel even more confident and excited now about our upcoming trip. So thanks guys!

My parents and I, along with another couple, are booking three suites tonight at the Yucatan area of the complex for the last week of April. I really only have a few main questions remaining, and I'm hoping one of you fine folks would be able to help us out .

1) This may sound a little bit insane since we'll be going to such a beautiful place, but I was wondering if anyone could give me an insight on the quality of the internet provided in the Platinum/Yucatan rooms. I'm a college student taking four fast track online classes that's going to start a day after our arrival, and I would need to access Blackboard and watch the class videos while I'm there. Sad, I know, but hey - I'm hoping I'll be in a margarita induced haze as I watch Accounting and Economics related class lectures :P.

2) My parents are amazing and will be footing the bill for our trip. I don't have a lot extra funds available, but I would like to treat them to a nice dinner at the Thai Beach Club (or Chill Out Beach Club as it's now known?). The only price point I've been able to find is $99 for two - but that was in 2009. Does anyone know if that's still roughly the same as now?

3) This is probably more of a travel agent question, but I thought I'd ask here as well. We're booking with itravel2000, and on their website, they don't specify anything about the swim out rooms in the Yucatan area. It's mentioned as an option in the "more information" part, but when booking, only the regular deluxe rooms are specified. Does this mean we'll just need to send a special request for the swim out rooms and hope for the best, or do you guys think that'd be something that we'd need to upgrade to (possibly for extra $) when we get to the hotel?

4) I do know that room service for Platinum members is available all day. However, I'm getting conflicting information on the cost. Just to verify - room service for Platinum members is free, right?

And that's about it . We have a general idea of what to expect and what to watch out for at the GSP/GRP - I'm quite excited and we're definitely looking forward to it!

Thanks in advance for the help, all .

[Tamtam]

Hi Mexicobound
My suggestion is to go to a travel agent who can answer all of your questions and put in those special requests for you rather than booking through a imperonal call centre type place like itravel2000. Most people don't realize that the prices are EXACTLY the same, and wouldnt you rather deal with an actual person who can help you out? A travel agent is definately the way to go, ask anyone here who has has the please of dealing with Shammy

[Shammy]

I don't know what the "Yucatan" section of this hotel is. Is that a Canadian tour operator thing? Because here in the US, we sell the Riviera side and the Sunset side, depending on what tour operator you use. So I can't answer anything about that specifically because I don't know what/where it is.

As far as the Platinum suites, these are the inclusions:

Platinum Amenities
-Bathroom with Jacuzzi tub
-DVD Library available in Platinum Lounge
-In room Premium bar
-Pillow Menu in Platinum Lounge
-24 Hour Room Service
-Platinum Bracelet & Concierge Service with use of exclusive Platinum Lounge
-Private pool with butler service (drinks only)
-International Newspapers located in Platinum Lounge
-Nightly turn down service
-Use of bathrobes during entire stay, 2 pairs of slippers per room
-Free internet unlimited @ Platinum Club Lounge as well as Free Cable internet in rooms
-Private Check-in with cold towel on arrival and Welcome Drink
-Domestic, International & Premium brand Drinks (Aged liquors, Wines and A la carte champagne not included)
-1 Special Dinner
-24 hours Concierge Service in the Platinum Lounge
-Exclusive continental Breakfast area at Platinum Lounge
-Hors d'oeuvres at Platinum Club Lounge
-A la carte Breakfast and Lunch service in the Buffet restaurants near the Platinum Lounge
-Reservations for a la carte restaurants at Platinum Lounge
-Gift in room upon arrival
-Discount on Green Fees at Golf Course
-Discount on Spa Treatments (single service items only)
-Discount on the Water Sport Center (single service items only)
-Reserved area on beach with butler service (drinks only)
-1 Water Circuit at the Spa (per adult per week)
-1 Beach Bag with Princess Logo
-Special Amenities in Room

Room service is included in this room category, so is internet. I've heard it can be spotty so be aware that how good it works might depend on where your room is located.

The swim out jr. suites are booked as that specific room category. You can't book a different rom category and request to be in a swim out, not unless you ask about an upgrade at the time of check in. There are no other rooms that are swim out, just the swim out jr. suites.

[mexicobound]

Hi Shammy -- thanks for the reply! The Yucatan suites are basically the area near the lobby that they turned into a platinum area while the platinum suites in the Riviera side was undergoing repairs post-accident. From what I've seen, there are swim out suites on the ground level. As far as I can see, they're basically JR Deluxe Suites with Platinum level service.

Thanks for the note on the internet! I'll keep that in mind for sure and try to download any class material that gets posted early before I leave.

[tazz7]

The regular platinum lounge has good computers with internet access. The wireless was spotty but great if you were sitting in the lounge. That might be your best bet with headphones.

[tazz7]

Room service for platinum is 100% free, but selection is limited but not bad. We were there in October, kids ordered tons of room service, no cost. But it's nice to tip the guy bringing the food.

[mexicobound]

^^^

Fantastic info! Thanks, tazz7. Looking forward to the trip...only four more weeks left of waiting!